Simi Valley officials, residents and the developer of a proposed housing development have each weighed in on the potential danger of contamination found in Runkle Canyon, which critics say was likely caused by the nearby Santa Susana Field Laboratory.

Now it's the state's turn to weigh in.

Using data from a number of sources, officials with the state Department of Toxic Substances Control will decide if contamination at the 1,400-acre site on Simi Valley's southern edge poses a risk to public health or the environment.

If the department determines the contaminants are dangerous, it has the authority under California's Health and Safety Code to order removal and cleanup.

"In the case of planned residential developments, such actions, if necessary, may be required prior to construction," Norman Riley, the department's Field Laboratory project director wrote in a Nov. 8 letter to the Runkle Canyon developers and another developer, Woolsey Canyon LLC.

The safety of the scenic property has been a controversial issue that has prompted the developer, city and residents to conduct their own testing on soil and water samples from the site, where cattle wander the hillsides.

In his letter, Riley strongly encourages the developers to share their findings with the department, so it can assist in reviewing the samples and analysis before more work is planned.

Company to provide studies

A spokesman for Runkle Canyon LLC — a partnership between KB Homes and Lennar Homes — which is developing the project, said the company will provide the toxics department with the results of previous environmental testing at the site. The spokesman said the company expects the department will conclude the site is safe for residential development.

Riley said it is too early for any determination.

"At this point, it's premature to conclude there is a problem, and it's premature to conclude there is not a problem," he said. "We do not plan to interfere in their affairs unless there is indication of a problem. We don't use our authority carelessly."

The department will begin with a review of a report by the owners of the Field Laboratory in the hills south of Simi Valley. The report will detail all of the testing conducted in areas surrounding the former rocket engine and nuclear test site.

The site is owned by Boeing Co. and NASA. The report will be submitted by Dec. 14.

If the report shows Runkle Canyon has not been tested by the Field Laboratory's owners, historical data and previous contamination investigations will be examined to see if there have been any off-site releases of contamination that could affect Runkle Canyon.

Area has been tested

Testing conducted by the developer, the city and a group of residents can also be used to determine if there is a problem.

In May, residents funded a $3,000 soil and water test of certain parts of the property. The results found high levels of arsenic, nickel, copper and other metals, according to the group.

In response, the city collected soil and water samples two months later. Results from the city's testing found there was no immediate health risk to residents, according to city officials.

In a separate Nov. 8 letter to the city, Riley wrote there were problems with the water samples, which made it impossible "to make meaningful conclusions regarding risk to human health and the environment at the Runkle Canyon property."

The soil samples also proved problematic. While they showed elevated levels of arsenic, the lack of site-specific background data made it difficult to determine if the levels were representative of the natural environment or showed a release of contaminants.

City officials had sent their samples to the department to determine if they were hazardous or there was a potential risk to the public, and if there was any action the city would be legally obligated to take.

City happy with news

It was the second time Simi Valley officials had approached the department for help on Runkle Canyon.

The department turned down the city's first attempt because it focused on radiological contamination, while the department focuses primarily on chemical pollution, Riley said.

On Monday, City Manager Mike Sedell said he was pleased with the new response.

"The city has been asking all along," Sedell said. "They have fully stepped up to the plate, and that's good news" for the city, its residents and the developer.

The city has submitted additional information to the department for consideration.

Until the question of the land's safety is resolved, the city will not issue a grading permit.